Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Dancing and creating music provide an outlet for children to express themselves creatively. It encourages them to invent their moves, compose their songs, and unleash their imagination, fostering both creativity and self-confidence.” The Learning Center

 

Activity

Select a favorite song or piece of music from your youth and share it with your child as you move and dance to the rhythm. You can choose to add simple props or noise makers like socks, scarves, wooden spoons, etc. to your dance.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race by Corey R. Tabor

Wally Mammoth: The Sled Race by Corey R. Tabor

Wolf wants to win the sled race. He loves winning. Otto wants to win, too. Wally Mammoth is … not so sure. A giggle-inducing, hardcover picture book about friendship that is perfect for emerging readers by the multiple Geisel Award-winning Corey R. Tabor. For fans of Mo Willems and Ben Clanton. Wally Mammoth lives in the Ice Age, where his huge heart warms even the coldest of days. And it has to be cold to have a sled race! Wally and his friends Otto the great auk and Wolf the (you guessed it!) gray wolf are all hot cocoa-ed up and ready to compete. Otto and Wolf both really want to win, but sweet Wally is happy as long as everyone has fun. Naturally, the competition goes downhill quickly. If the three friends careen toward the finish line in a giant snowball, how will they determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place? It doesn’t matter — there will be cupcakes for everyone regardless.

Book cover for Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester

Tacky and the Winter Games by Helen Lester

Tacky and his fellow penguins on Team Nice Icy Land train hard for the Winter Games, but Tacky‘s antics make their chances of winning a medal seem slim.
Book cover for Waiting for Snow by Marsha Diane Arnold

Waiting for Snow by Marsha Diane Arnold

Badger cannot wait one more minute for it to snow. When his friend Hedgehog explains that everything comes in its time, Badger is unconvinced and impatient as ever. But Badger’s friends have a few tricks up their sleeves to try and get the snow’s attention and distract their pal in the meantime

Book cover for Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger

Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger

Max and Marla are best friends. And aspiring Olympians! With their eyes on the prize, they know exactly what it’ll take to reach sledding success: preparation, practice and perseverance

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Here’s a Hill

Here’s a hill (left side up, right side down)
And here’s a hill (right side up, left side down)
All covered with snow (scarf on head)
I’ll put on my coat, (scarf on back)
And jump on my sled (pull scarf in front)
And ZOOM, down the hill I will go! 
(toss scarf in air)

Adapted from Storytime Katie

Bumpin’ Up and Down

Bumpin’ up and down 
in my big  bobsled… x3
We’re having so much fun!

Snow’s coming down… 
Turning to the left…
Turning to the right…
Turning to the left…
Waving to my friends…

Adapted from Jbrary

Dancing Snowflakes

(tune of Frère Jacques)
Dancing snowflakes,
Dancing snowflakes,
In the sky, in the sky
Whirling twirling snowflakes,
Whirling twirling snowflakes
See them fly, see them fly!

Adapted from Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Four Bobsledders Sitting in a Row

Four bobsledders sitting in a row, (hold up four finger and stretch scarf in a horizontal line)
Each in a uniform from head to toe. (move scarf to vertical line)

Push off hard! 1, 2, 3, 4! (Pretend to push off hard, counting on fingers)
Now we’re zooming! And we’d love some more! (Wiggle body back and forth)

Lean to the left (Lean body to the left)
Lean to the right (Lean body to the right)
Hold on tight with all your might! ((Wrap scarf around your hands and squeeze))

Down, down, down, the icy track (Roll scarf down and down)
Zig and zoom and don’t look back! (Move scarf in a zigzag motion in front of you)

Faster, faster, what a blast! (Shake scarf up and down very fast)
Coming soon! We’re going fast! (Hold scarf in front of you and roll it quickly)

Whoa! Slow down now, the race is done! (Let scarf fall slowly to the ground)
Cross the line! We’’re #1! (Toss scarf up in the air and catch it!)

Crafts and Activities

A coloring page featuring three people in a bobsleigh.

Bobsleigh Coloring Page

 

 

Make a sledding craft from a paper plate.

Sledding Mobile

Additional Books

Book cover for Mr. Putter & Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter & Tabby Hit the Slope by Cynthia Rylant

Mr. Putter and his fine cat, Tabby, and Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog, Zeke, head for the sledding slope for the wildest ride ever. Maybe winter is not so slow after all!

Book cover for Red Sled by Lita Judge

Red Sled by Lita Judge

At night, a host of woodland creatures plays with a child’s red sled.
Book cover for The Reader by Amy Hest

The Reader by Amy Hest

A boy and his dog hike to the top of a very tall, snowy hill where they play, enjoy a snack, and then share their favorite book before sledding home.
Book cover for A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy

A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy

Gabo, shy with other children and having no sled or winter clothing, yearns to go sledding and his neighbor’s granddaughter, Isa, helps him find a way.

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with supervision. Your child might also enjoy an upside-down umbrella mobile with paper snowflakes or a sensory “snow” bag made with shaving cream or a bit of cool, cooked tapioca pudding inside.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Babies not yet walking (Ages 0 – 12 months)

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Toddlers who are walking (Ages 1 – 2 years)

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

“Zoom, Zoom Zoom,” is a favorite song/game for many children. This exciting rhyme let’s the children count down to a lift-off at zero. Try this new winter version, “Snowflakes in the Sky,” where children can sing the same melody, but count up to ten. This rhyme is a great skill-builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place.

 

Activity

Make ten snowflakes with your child from paper or cupcake wrappers. Then, sing “Snowflakes in the Sky,” and count the snowflakes together at the end of the song. If you’d like use your snowflakes multiple times, you can “laminate” them with clear packing tape!

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Snow Happy by Patricia Hubbell

Snow Happy by Patricia Hubbell

Children delight in playing in the snow, building an igloo, sliding, gliding, and getting wet and tired.
Book cover for Oh! by Kevin Henkes

OH! by Kevin Henkes

The morning after a snowfall finds animals and children playing.
Book cover for One-Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova

One-Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova

A girl hitches her dog to her sleigh one morning, only to be insistently joined by a series of animals, large and small.
Book cover for Red Sled by Patricia Thomas

Red Sled by Patricia Thomas

A boy and his father lift one another’s spirits by going sledding on a winter’s night.
Book cover for Jingle-Jingle by Nicola Smee

Jingle-Jingle by Nicola Smee

Mr. Horse takes Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck on a snowy winter sleigh ride.
Book cover for A Day in the Snow with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Megan Roth

A Day in the Snow with The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Megan Roth

The Very Hungry Caterpillar spends a day in the snow admiring snowflakes, snowmen, and snowforts.
Book cover for Baby Loves Winter! by Karen Katz

Baby Loves Winter! by Karen Katz

Baby explores the wonders of winter and identifies such winter items as a red sled, a giant snow plow, and a furry groundhog.
Book cover for A Little Book About Winter by Leo Lionni

A Little Book About Winter by Leo Lionni

A little mouse tells his friends about all the things he loves about winter.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bumpin’ Up and Down

Bumpin’ up and down
in my little red sled… x3
Won’t you be my darlin’!

Sliding down the hill…
Turning to the left…
Turning to the right…
Climbing up the hill…

Won’t you be my darlin’!

Adapted from King County Library System

Snowflakes in the Sky

(tune: Zoom, Zoom Zoom)
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
If you want to catch them all, count the snowflakes as they fall.
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Dancing Snowflakes

(tune of Frère Jacques)
Dancing snowflakes,
Dancing snowflakes,
In the sky, in the sky
Whirling twirling snowflakes,
Whirling twirling snowflakes
See them fly, see them fly!

Adapted from Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Come Under My Umbrella

(tune of The More We Get Together)
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to snow
There’s snowflakes and flurries and wind and ice
Come under my umbrella it’s starting to snow!

Adapted from King County Library System

Round and Round the Garden

Round and round the garden,
Little bunny goes.
Hippity-hop, hippity-hop,
He’s gonna get your nose!

Round and round the garden like a teddy bear
One step, two step
Hidden under there!

Round and round the garden
Hops the little bunny.
One, hop, two hops,
Tickle on your tummy!

Source: King County Library System

Go In and Out the Window

Go in and out the window,
Go in and out the window,
Go in and out the window,
As we have done before.

Stand up and face your partner,
Stand up and face your partner,
Stand up and face your partner,
As we have done before.

Source: Jbrary

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about:

  • How to win and lose gracefully

  • Encouraging all participants

  • Congratulating the winner

  • The value of cooperation and teamwork

  • Feeling proud of a well-planned effort

Watching winter sports together can also be a great way to start the conversation.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Zoom, Zoom Zoom,” is a favorite song/game for many children. This exciting rhyme let’s the children count down to a lift-off at zero. Try this new winter version, “Snowflakes in the Sky,” where children can sing the same melody, but count up to ten. This rhyme is a great skill-builder for understanding sequencing, the order in which something takes place.

 

Activity

Make ten snowflakes with your child from paper or cupcake wrappers. Then, sing “Snowflakes in the Sky,” and count the snowflakes together at the end of the song. If you’d like use your snowflakes multiple times, you can “laminate” them with clear packing tape!

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid

Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics by Yossi Lapid

Can a humble snowman compete on the world’s biggest Olympic stage? Snowman Paul is determined to find out.

When Dan and Snowman Paul arrive at the Winter Olympics, Paul can’t resist the thrill of competition. Faster than a swish of skis, he jumps into event after event—ski jumping, snowboarding, figure skating, and more! Paul dazzles the crowds, amazes the judges, and celebrates his victories.
But soon, a big question hangs in the icy air: Is Paul competing fairly—or is he getting a little unexpected help from his friends?

In this humorous, heartwarming, and beautifully rhymed adventure, children follow Dan and Paul as they explore timeless lessons about honesty, friendship, fair play, and what it truly means to win with integrity.

Book cover for Flurry, Float, and Fly!: The Story of a Snowstorm by Laura Purdie Salas

Flurry, Float, and Fly!: The Story of a Snowstorm by Laura Purdie Salas

This illustrated children’s book explores the science of snow through poetic text and visual art. It describes how cold air and moisture interact to form snowflakes, explains the process of snow crystal formation, and conveys the wonder of winter weather. An author’s note provides additional scientific context, making the book suitable for classroom lessons on weather, seasons, and natural phenomena.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Building a Snowman

Tune: The More We Get Together
Can you help me build a snowman,
A snowman, a snowman?
Can you help me build a snowman?
He’s missing his _______!
 (middle, head, scarf, hat, eyes, and so on)

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

Dancing snowflakes

(tune of Frère Jacques)
Dancing snowflakes,
Dancing snowflakes,
In the sky, in the sky
Whirling twirling snowflakes,
Whirling twirling snowflakes
See them fly, see them fly!

Adapted from: Storytime with Ms. Emily Library

Snowflakes in the Sky

(tune: Zoom, Zoom Zoom)
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
If you want to catch them all, count the snowflakes as they fall.
Fly, fly fly there’s snowflakes in the sky.
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Come Under My Umbrella

(tune of The More We Get Together)
Come under my umbrella, umbrella, umbrella
Come under my umbrella, it’s starting to snow
There’s snowflakes and flurries and wind and ice
Come under my umbrella it’s starting to snow!

Adapted from King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a young child running in the snow.

Snow Coloring Page

 

 

Make a snowstorm in a sandwich bag with cut paper and a straw.

Blizzard in a Bag

Additional Books

Book cover for It's a Big World, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

It's a Big World, Little Pig! by Kristi Yamaguchi

Poppy’s big dreams lead her to Paris for the world games ice skating championship. Nervous but ever courageous and supported by her family she embarks upon the adventure head-on. Poppy meets a snowboarding panda, a Maltese who skies, and two fellow skaters, a crane and a Kangaroo. She begins to realize that although these animals look different, act different, and are from different places, they are all the same at heart.

Book cover for Froggy Builds a Snowman by Jonathan London

Froggy Builds a Snowman by Jonathan London

 
Froggy is very excited about his first Winter Carnival, and even though Mr. Mugwort has the day carefully planned the time for building a special snowman finally arrives.
Book cover for Just One Flake by Travis Jonker

Just One Flake by Travis Jonker

Determined to catch a perfect snowflake, Liam sticks out his tongue and tries a number of tricks, all to no avail, but after giving it one last shot, he grabs one in an unexpected way.
Book cover for Curious About Snow by Gina Shaw

Curious About Snow by Gina Shaw

 
Learn about snow–how snowflakes are formed, why they fall, if each snowflake is really unique, and other facts. Also learn about Wilson A. Bentley, the first person to photograph an individual snowflake.

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds confidence in a young reader. Also, recently published non-fiction books are full of illustrations and pictures which can appeal to many children. See you at the library!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Children with print awareness understand that print has different functions; such as, menus list food choices, a book tells a story, a sign can point to a favorite restaurant or warn of danger. Understanding that letters are symbols that create words and that words represent things will take time and practice. – Idaho Commission for Libraries

Activity

Model for your child how to hold a book and that you read a sentence from left to right. Running your finger under the words as you read shows them to read from the top to the bottom of the page, then play the Grocery List Game! Write a simple shopping list with words and pictures. Have your child find items at the store that match the words on your list.

Books Presented

Book cover for Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

When a bus driver takes a break from his route, a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place—a pigeon! But you’ve never met one like this before.
Book cover for If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer

If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer

A love letter to making friends from unexpected places, If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone is silly, wise, and surprising all at once. If you make a call from a banana phone, who will answer? What will you talk about? Will you share secrets or ask questions? No one knows what will happen, really. This very silly story is full of the joy and wisdom that comes from making new friends from unexpected places. Go ahead, pick up a banana and make a call. You’ll be glad you did.
Book cover for If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone by Gideon Sterer

A Quick Trip to the Store by Sam Wedelich

When her family runs out of bananas, a young girl goes on a quick trip to the grocery store, and while Mom is distracted, the boring banana run turns into a wild adventure through the aisles.

Book cover for So Rude!: Animals Behaving Badly by Jessica Fries-Gaither

So Rude!: Animals Behaving Badly by Jessica Fries-Gaither

Grownups say, “Be on your best behavior.” But in the animal world, rudeness sometimes rules the day! Scarlet kingsnakes lie; they pretend to be venomous coral snakes to scare off predators. And hippos make a mess; they spray waste to defend their territories. For these animals and many others, being rude can be a matter of survival. Author and science educator Jessica Fries-Gaither introduces seven human behavior rules and the animals that break them!

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Bread and Butter

Bread and butter, bananas and jam,
Let’s tap our sticks as nice as we can!
Verses: quick, slow, quiet, loud

Source: Jbrary

The Wheels on the Bus

The wheels on the bus go round and round,
Round and round, round and round,
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
All through the town.

The money on the bus goes clank, clank, clank…
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish…
The driver on the bus says, “Move on back”…
The people on the bus go up and down…
The babies on the bus go waa, waa, waa…
The parents on the bus go shh, shh, shh…

Source: Jbrary

This is the Way We Tap Our Sticks

This is the way we tap our sticks,
tap
our sticks, tap our sticks,
This is the way we tap our sticks,
so
early in the morning.
(Tap sticks to the beat while singing.)

This is the way we scrape our sticks…
This is the way we hammer our sticks…
This is the way we drum our sticks…

Source: Jbrary

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring a gorilla with books.

Gorilla Coloring Page

 

 

Make a banana from a paper plate and tissue paper

Paper Plate Banana Craft

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she’ll use throughout life like communication, appreciation of cultures and occupations, physical dexterity, and self-expression. So grab that box of old clothes, shoes, jewelry, hats, and costumes and play!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Dress-up play is more than just physically wearing a costume. When “in character” kids role play. They imitate the character’s mannerisms and may even create their own special traits and themes, which encourages kids to “think outside of the box,” practice different emotions, and use their language skills to communicate too. – The Benefits of Dress-Up Play

Activity

Create a dress-up bin or box and leave it in the play room. Stock a laundry basket, box or cubby full of oversized clothes and accessories like bright scarves, fancy shoes, mismatched socks, baseball hats, sunglasses, boas, sports jerseys, aprons, princess dresses, and costume jewelry. Having these fun items readily available in the play area will inspire kids to want to use costumes and accessories in their everyday play. – The Benefits of Dress-Up Play

Books Presented

Book cover for Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett

Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing by Judi Barrett

Animals should definitely not wear clothing.
…because a snake would lose it, a billy goat would eat it for lunch, and it would always be wet on a walrus! This well-loved book by Judi and Ron Barrett shows the very youngest why animals’ clothing is perfect…just as it is.
Book cover for Sparkles, No Sparkles by Shannon McNeill

Sparkles, No Sparkles by Shannon McNeill

Adorable sparkle-less animals raid the theatre for crowns, boots and capes to add some much-needed sparkle to their ensemble
Book cover for Dozens of Dachshunds: A Counting, Woofing, Wagging Book by Stephanie Calmenson

Dozens of Dachshunds: A Counting, Woofing, Wagging Book by Stephanie Calmenson

A galore of Dachshunds dressed in clever costumes gather in the park to celebrate Dachshund Day.
Book cover for What We Wear Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera

What We Wear: Dressing Up Around the World by Maya Ajmera

Bright, uplifting photographs show children from different countries dressed in traditional clothing from each culture. Captions suggest context for the images; “Dressing up means celebrating who we are… and what we believe,” reads one. A smiling child from Papua New Guinea wears a feathered crown and necklace, while two children from Ethiopia are adorned with decorative beads and shells. Another spread shows children from Japan, the United Kingdom, the U.S., and Malawi dressed in sports uniforms.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Red, Red is the Color I See

(tune of I’m a Little Teapot)
Red*, red is the color I see.
If you have a red scarf, shake it for me!
Stand up, take a bow, and turn around.
If you’ve got a red scarf, then sit back down!

*yellow, blue, orange, green, white…

Source: King County Library System

I put my scarf on my head

I put my scarf on my head,
It may be green or red,
I leave it there while I blink and stare,
And then I toss it in the air.
One, two, three!

I put my scarf on my knees,
I always remember say please…

I put my scarf on my foot,
On my foot my scarf I put…

I put my scarf on my tummy,
I always think that’s funny…

I put my scarf on my face,
It’s really a very nice place,
I leave it there while I blink and stare,
And then I toss it in the air,
One, two, three!

Source: Sukey Molloy

Where Could You Be?

Dachshund, dachshund, where could you be?
Are you under the hard hat?
Let’s look and see!

Source: Storytime in the Stacks

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring kids in different dress up costumes.

Dress-Up Party Coloring Page

 

 

Make a dress-up necklace from yarn, paper, and sections of straw.

Necklace Craft for Kids

Additional Books

Book cover for Maisy Dresses Up by Lucy Cousins

Maisy Dresses Up by Lucy Cousins

Maisy the mouse makes a very special costume for Tallulah’s costume party.

The Little Tiger by Nicola Killen

The Little Tiger by Nicola Killen

As Ollie practices her roar in her new tiger suit, a gust of wind carries her to a forest where a group of animals throw her a birthday party.
Book cover for Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend by Bob Shea

Bearsuit Turtle Makes a Friend by Bob Shea

Two turtles, one masquerading as a bear and the other a self-proclaimed bear expert, become friends after a day of bear-adjacent activities.
Book cover for Dress-Up Day by Blanca Gómez

Dress-Up Day by Blanca Gómez

Sick at home, a young girl misses the costume party at school, so she decides to wear her rabbit costume the next day; but when the other children laugh at her, she is sad–until a boy turns up in his carrot costume, and soon the other children join in their play.

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for teaching your child about assistance animals… what they do, how to approach them, and why they are so important.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

Safety is a key part of respecting animals. Some important things to consider teaching your child when approaching an animal could include:

Teach children to approach pets slowly and let them sniff first to show respect and prevent sudden reactions.

Always ask permission before touching unfamiliar animals to ensure safety.

Use gentle strokes, avoiding sensitive areas like the belly, paws, mouth, and face, and stop immediately if the pet shows discomfort.

Safe spots to pet are the sides, behind the ears, and along the back.-lifelineanimal.org – https://lifelineanimal.org/understanding-animal-behavior-teaching-kids-pet-safety-cues/

Activity

After going over the safety rules of how to approach an animal with your child, use a plush animal or puppet to practice before meeting a real animal.

Books Presented

Book cover for Evie is a Dog, NOT a Robot: Understanding Assistance Dogs by Jennifer Gravrok

Evie is a Dog, NOT a Robot: Understanding Assistance Dogs by Jennifer Gravrok

Suzie has been dreaming of this day forever — she’s finally meeting Evie, her very own assistance dog! Evie is smart, kind, and specially trained to help Suzie with her disability. Together, they’re about to learn what it really means to be a team.

From opening doors to picking up dropped toys, Evie can do amazing things. But when Evie gets distracted by new smells, squirrels, or just wants to play, Suzie learns an important lesson: even the best-trained dogs aren’t robots—they’re loving, loyal friends who need patience, understanding, and time.

As Suzie and Evie learn to work together, they discover that teamwork is built on trust, laughter, and a lot of treats!

Book cover for Boop! by Bea Birdsong

Boop! by Bea Birdsong

There are so many snoots to boop! Snoots attached to big dogs and little dogs and dogs with beards and those without. Are you ready to boop ALL the snoots?

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Little Dog, Little Dog

Little dog, little dog; come out and play!
What color house are you in today?

Are you in the _(color)_ house?

Paws On the Dog

Tune: Wheels on the Bus
The paws on the dog go trot, trot, trot.
Trot, trot, trot, trot, trot, trot.
The paws on the dog go trot, trot, trot.
All through the town.

The ears on the dog go flop, flop, flop…
The nose on the dog goes sniff, sniff, sniff…
The tongue on the dog goes lick, lick, lick…
The tail on the dog goes wag, wag, wag…
The people with the dogs go, “SIT!”

Source: King County Library System

Crafts and Activities

A coloring and activity booklet that teaches about service dogs.

Service Dog Activity Book

 

 

Make a dog from different sizes of hearts.

Heart Shaped Dog Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for Service Animals by E. C. Andrews

Service Animals by E.C. Andrews

From detecting allergies and seizures to guiding those who cannot see across the street, service animals are the ones for the job. These animal helpers keep people safe, solve problems, and make their lives easier. Learn all about the bond between animals and us.
Book cover for I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog by Michal Babay

I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog by Michal Babay

Chewie the poodle narrates his efforts to complete training as a service dog for Alice, who has celiac disease, but bugs, pizza, and his own tail are very distracting. Includes information on celiac disease.
Book cover for It Was Supposed to Be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill

It Was Supposed to Be Sunny by Samantha Cotterill

Laila’s birthday party, perfectly planned with her autism in mind, goes awry due to a change in weather and an accident with her cake, but with the help of her mom and her service dog, Laila knows she can handle this
Book cover for Nina Learns About Service Animals by Hannah Goodbody

Nina Learns About Service Animals by Hannah Goodbody

Nina and her mother Kiki go for a walk in the park, where she sees a guide dog for the first time. Nina then learns about service animals, how she should interact with them and the important roles that service animals play in society.

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between adult dogs and puppies. You can help them notice how these animals differ not just in size, but in their barks, whimpers, growls, and even sighs. So the next time ask your child, ‘What does a dog say?’, you can share the happy, yipping sounds of a puppy alongside the deeper bark of an adult dog.

Book Babies: Wednesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Babies not yet walking (Ages 0 – 12 months)

Toddler Time: Monday & Tuesday @ 9:30am in Community Room

Toddlers who are walking (Ages 1 – 2 years)

Welcome Songs

Here We Are Together

Here we are together, together, together! Oh, here we are together in our library. There’s (sing names)… Here we are together in our library!

Hello Everybody

Hello everybody let’s clap our hands*, clap our hands, clap our hands. Hello everybody let’s clap our hands today! *pat our head, stretch up high, wiggle our fingers, tickle our knees, kick our feet, bounce up high!

S, T, R, W, P

(Sing while pointing to each finger on your child’s hand.) Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play! Sing, talk, read, write, play each day!

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

TIP

Being able to coordinate small muscles in hands and fingers enables children to hold things, cut with scissors, tie their shoes, and fasten buttons. Fingerplays such as, “Where is thumbkin?” starts as a simple activity but soon develops into a complicated exercise as more fingers are used. Development of fine motor skills also helps children to write. ~Lambert

 

Activity

Pick a favorite fingerplay to do with your child like, “Five Little Puppies,” or “Where is Thumbkin?” For younger children, just move your thumb, but older children can practice moving all their fingers.

 

Books Presented

Book cover for Bark George by Jules Feiffer

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

A mother dog tries to teach her pup how to bark, and is surprised at why he wasn’t learning.
Book cover for Where's Spot? by Eric Hill

Where's Spot? by Eric Hill

A mother dog finds eight other animals hiding around the house before finding her lost puppy. Flaps conceal the animals.
Book cover for Let's Go Visiting by Sue Williams

Let's Go Visiting by Sue Williams

A counting story in which a boy visits his farmyard friends, from one brown foal to six yellow puppies.
Book cover for One Pup's Up by Marsha Wilson Chall

One Pup's Up by Marsha Wilson Chall

Rhyming text counts off ten puppies as they awaken one by one, chase and bounce around the house, eat kibble and get washed, then fall back to sleep.
Book cover for The Babies and the Doggies Book by John Schindel

The Babies and Doggies Book by John Schindel

When you stop and think about it, babies and doggies do many of the same things. They squirm, sniff, sit, and splash. They play ball and cuddle. Lots of things babies do, doggies do too! This board book explores all of the similar actions shared by baby and baby’s best friend. Illustrated with beautiful, full-color photographs featuring an array of dog breeds and a diverse cast of babies, The Babies and Doggies Book is a visual feast for infants, a fun read-aloud for parents, and treat for baby- and dog-lovers.
Book cover for Dog's Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting by Emma Dodd

Dog's Colorful Day: A Messy Story About Colors and Counting by Emma Dodd

In this colorful story of a sloppy dog, you can count on a happy ending.
Book cover for One Two That's My Shoe! by Alisson Murray

One Two That's My Shoe! by Alison Murray

Illustrations and rhyming text encourage the reader to count from one to ten when a mischievous puppy runs off with his owner’s shoe.
Book cover for This Dog. That Dog. by Jade Orlando

This Dog. That Dog. by Jade Orlando

A humorous dog-centric board book provides a rhyming read-aloud for teaching opposites, and young ones will love spotting funny details and recognizing the differences within themselves and within their favorite furry friends.
Book cover for Corgi Can! by Junyi Wu

Corgi Can! by Junyi Wu

An adorable board book of puppy love. Corgi can do LOTS of things. Corgi can play! Corgi can cuddle! Corgi can shake! Corgi can…roll around in a muddy puddle. Oh, corgi. There are so many things you can do, and so many reasons that we love you. This board book with simple text and adorable art is as easy to fall for as it is to read.
Book cover for Dog & Friends: Busy Day by Emma Dodd

Dog & Friends: Busy Day by Emma Dodd

A humorous dog-centric board book provides a rhyming read-aloud for teaching opposites, and young ones will love spotting funny details and recognizing the differences within themselves and within their favorite furry friends.
Book cover for Doggies: A Counting and Barking Book by Sandra Boynton

Doggies: A Counting and Barking Book by Sandra Boynton

Dogs of all shapes and sizes bark from one to ten.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Five Little Puppies

Five little puppies were playing in the sun. (Hold up hand, fingers extended.)
This one saw a rabbit, and he began to run. (Bend first finger.)
This one saw a butterfly, and he began to race. (Bend second finger.)
This one saw a kitty cat, and he began to chase. (Bend third finger.)
This one tried to catch his tail, and he went round & round. (Bend fourth finger.)
This one was so quiet, he never made a sound. (Bend thumb.)

Source: King County Library System

Little Dog, Little Dog

Little dog, little dog; come out and play!
What color house are you in today?
Are you in the _(color)_ house?
Source: Verona Story Time

Clap Tap Bend

I take my little hands to go clap clap clap
I take my little hands to go clap clap clap
I take my little hands to go clap clap clap
Clap Clap
All day long
…Little feet… tap…
…Little knees… bend…

Five Little Puppies

Five little puppies were playing in the sun. (Hold up hand, fingers extended.)
This one saw a rabbit, and he began to run. (Bend first finger.)
This one saw a butterfly, and he began to race. (Bend second finger.)
This one saw a kitty cat, and he began to chase. (Bend third finger.)
This one tried to catch his tail, and he went round & round. (Bend fourth finger.)
This one was so quiet, he never made a sound. (Bend thumb.)

Source: Verona Story Time

Ten Little Doggies

Ten little doggies went out one day, (hold up ten fingers)
To dig in the dirt and play, play, play. (dig, slap knees on each ‘play’)
Five were spotted, and five were not, (hold up one hand, then the other)
And at dinnertime they ate a lot! (pretend to eat)

Baby Needs a Diaper Change

Tune: London Bridge
Baby needs a diaper change,
Diaper change, diaper change.
Baby needs a diaper change,
Please, and thank you!

Source: King County Library System

Leg Over Leg as the Dog Goes to Dover

Leg over leg, (bounce baby on knees)
As the dog goes to Dover.
When he comes to a wall,
Jump! He goes over! (lift baby up)

Source: Verona Story Time

Shake My Sillies Out

I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
Shake, shake, shake my sillies out
And wiggle my waggles away

I’ve gotta clap, clap, clap my crazies out…
I’ve gotta jump, jump, jump my jiggles out…
I’ve gotta yawn, yawn, yawn my sleepies out…
I’ve gotta shake, shake, shake my sillies out.

B-I-N-G-O!

There was a farmer who had a dog,
And Bingo was his name-O.
B-I-N-G-O!
B-I-N-G-O!
B-I-N-G-O!
And Bingo was his name-O!

Baby Sign Language

More Book Babies

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

NOVEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Pigs

“This little piggy went to market… stayed home… had roast beef… had none… and this little piggy cried 'wee wee' all the way home!” Let's add some piggy fun to your adventures! Sing, talk, read, write, and play with these delightful books and rhymes as you fill your...

OCTOBER Book Babies + Toddlers: Monsters

There’s a monster in this book, and he’s adorable. We love our little monsters, and they are all so different from each other, just like children. As you embark on an exciting adventure into the world of friendly monsters, you'll meet monsters who love to play,...

SEPTEMBER Book Babies + Toddlers: ABCs

Let’s learn the ABCs! Did you know that babies are already learning to read? Through visual exposure to colorful books and alphabet toys, seeing letters repeatedly helps them become familiar with their shapes and forms. Pair that with a familiar song and rhyme, and...

APRIL Book Babies + Toddler: Birthdays

It’s my birthday! Did you know that birthdays aren’t just fun and exciting for children—they’re also a great learning opportunity? Looking forward to and celebrating a birthday helps children understand traditions, family gatherings, and the joy of giving and...

MARCH Book Babies + Toddlers: Lambs

Many of us grew up with classic nursery rhymes like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Baa, Baa, Black Sheep. As you teach those songs to your child, consider incorporating these additional activities to expand both your and your baby's nursery rhyme repertoire.Book Babies:...

March Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story TimeGet ready for March magic with our early literacy programs! Book Babies – Wednesdays at 9:30 AM for babies not yet walking and their grown-ups. Enjoy songs, stories, baby sign language, movement, and sensory activities. Toddler Time – Mondays & Tuesdays...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: “C” is for Counting

One, two, three, count with me. It’s as easy as can be! Teaching numbers at an early age can be great fun! Here are some fun ways to introduce numbers to your infant or toddler: ? 0-1 Year (Introduction to Numbers) Talk & Count: Count fingers, toes, and everyday...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: S is for Soup

Making and eating soup can be a sensory explosion for you and your child, especially when you make it together. Look for ingredients with a variety of colors, textures, and scents, then talk about where they came from, or count the pieces you’ve cut. Here are some...

Story Time: D is for Dance

Story Time: D is for Dance

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems. So, put on your dancing shoes and bust a move with your child!

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

“Dancing and creating music provide an outlet for children to express themselves creatively. It encourages them to invent their moves, compose their songs, and unleash their imagination, fostering both creativity and self-confidence.” The Learning Center

Activity

Select a favorite song from your youth and share it with your child as you move and dance to the rhythm. You can choose to add simple props or noise makers like socks, scarves, wooden spoons, etc. to your dance.

Books Presented

Book cover for Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton

Barnyard Dance! by Sandra Boynton

Join twirling pigs, fiddle-playing cows, and other unforgettable animals in their barnyard dance! With rhythmic rhyming text, this book is guaranteed to get kids and adults spinning, swinging, and prancing with the high-spirited cast of characters!
Book cover for Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Gerald the giraffe is too clumsy to dance with all the other animals at the Jungle Dance, until he finds the right music.
Book cover for The Ants Who Couldn't Dance by Susan Rich Brooke

The Ants Who Couldn't Dance by Susan Rick Brooke

When the music starts playing, everyone can dance … except the ants. They can lift, build, and dig, so why can’t they twirl, dip, and jig? As the ants try to dance, they discover they are better together in this toe-tapping tale of cooperation and teamwork.
Book cover for Bella Ballerina by Sharon M. Draper

Bella Ballerina by Sharon M. Draper

At her first ballet recital, a young ballerina overcomes a bout of stage fright to help a fellow dancer in need.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Silly Dance Contest

By Jim Gill

Dance any way you want to
Dance any way you please
Dance any way you want to
But stop when I say freeze. Repeat.

Jump as high as you want to…
Dance as fast as you want to…
Dance as slow as you want to…

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page featuring Gerald the Giraffe dancing.

Dance Coloring Page

 

 

A dancer created from a paper plate and construction paper.

Paper Plate Dancer

Additional Books

Book cover for Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems

Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo Willems

Gerald the elephant is certain that he cannot dance but his friend Piggie convinces him to try.

Book cover for Barn Dance! by Bill Martin

Barn Dance! by Bill Martin

Unable to sleep on the night of a full moon, a young boy follows the sound of music across the fields and finds an unusual barn dance in progress.
Book cover for How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle

How Do You Wokka-Wokka? by Elizabeth Bluemle

A young boy who likes to “wokka-wokka, shimmy-shake, and shocka-shocka” gathers his neighbors together for a surprise celebration.
Book cover for Dance! by Elisha Cooper

Dance! by Elisha Cooper

Come join the dance company.

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU! in November

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU! in November

Story Time: Something NEW Just for YOU! in November

Discover your new favorite story! We’ve curated a collection of fresh books, each paired with a special activity to spark your child’s imagination and extend the fun.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

The holidays are a good time to learn about gratitude with your child. As your child gives and receives gifts, you can talk about acts of kindness and the feelings and or emotions associated with giving and receiving a gift. – TenderHeartedTeacher.com

Activity

 Make a gratitude jar with your child. Decorate a jar or box, write down things that both of you are grateful for on small pieces of paper, and put them in the jar. Then, throughout the year, pull out a paper and talk about why you were grateful for that particular thing. You can also add more slips of paper to your jar as you both discover and experience new things!

Books Presented

Book cover for Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas by Joy Cowley

Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas by Joy Cowley

When Mrs. Wishy-Washy asks her farm animals to take a bath for Christmas, they find a way to take one without freezing.
Book cover for Fire Pups to the Rescue! by Lisa Desimini

Fire Pus to the Rescue! by Lisa Desimini

Four Dalmatian heroes use their senses to help a family, and their pets, safely escape a house fire.
Book cover for Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

Thanks for Thanksgiving by Julie Markes

At Thanksgiving time, children express their gratitude for the people and things in their lives.
Book cover for Bouncing Bunnies! by Fix Osborne

Bouncing Bunnies by Fiz Osborne

A group of bunnies bounce around, their favorite thing to do, and as they shake from head to toe, they invite you to join in too.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

Two Little Bunny Rabbits

Two little bunny rabbits sitting on a hill, 
One named Brooke, and the other named Bill.
Hop away, Brooke! Hop away, Bill! 
Come back, Brooke! Come back, Bill!
Two little bunny rabbits  sitting on a hill, 
One named Brooke, and the other named Bill.

Two little bunny rabbits looking at a cloud,
One was quiet, and the other was loud 
Hop away, Quiet! Hop away, Loud!
Come back, Quiet! Come back, Loud!
Two little bunny rabbits looking at a cloud,
One was quiet, and the other was loud!

Adapted from King County Library System

There’s Something in the Barn

Tune: Up on the Housetop
Open up the barn door, the spring goes “Boink.”
There’s something in the barn, saying, “Oink, oink, oink.”
Open up the barn door, the clock strikes two.
There’s something in the barn, saying, “Moo, moo, moo.”

Open up the barn door, it’s a snowy day.
There’s something in the barn, saying, “Neigh, neigh, neigh.”
Open up the barn door, singing, “Tra-la-la.”
There’s something in the barn, saying, “Blaa, blaa, blaa.”

Open up the barn door, while the sky is blue.
There’s something in the barn, saying, “Cock-a-doodle-do!”

Five Apple Pies in the Bakery Shop

Five apple pies in the bakery shop
Five apple pies with sugar on top
Along came a man with a penny in his hand
Click, clock, click, clock, click, clock, click, clock
He took one pie and away he ran.

Four apple pies in the bakery shop…..
Three apple pies in the bakery shop…
Two apple pies in the bakery shop…
One apple pies in the bakery shop…

But we’re not finished:
No apple pies in the bakery shop.
No apple pies with sugar on top.
Along came a man with a penny in his hand.
Click, clock, click, clock, click, clock, click, clock
He took one look… and away he ran!

Adapted from King County Library System

Hurry, Hurry! Drive the Fire Truck

Hurry, hurry! Drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry! Drive the fire truck
Hurry, hurry! Drive the fire truck
Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!

Hurry, hurry! Turn the corner… ding!
Hurry, hurry! Climb the ladder… ding!
Hurry, hurry! Spray the water… ding!
Slowly, slowly back to the station… Shh! 

Source: The Kiboomers

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page of a bunny frolicking in autumn leaves.

Autumn Bunny Coloring Page

 

 

A bunny puppet that comes out of a cardboard tube.

Pop Up Bunny Craft

Additional Books

Book cover for The Cow Who Clucked by Denise Fleming

The Cow Who Clucked by Denise Fleming

When a cow loses her moo, she searches to see if another animal in the barn has it.

Book cover for The Hippo-not-amus by Tony Payne

The Hippo-not-amus by Tony Payne

Portly grows tired of being a hippopotamus so he becomes a hipponoceros, a hippo-bat-onoceros, a hippo-ele-bat-onoceros, and a hippo-gir-ele-bat-onoceros!
Book cover for String Ball by Chris Monroe

String Ball by Chris Monroe

When a kitten finds its young owner’s string ball craft project, adventures ensue. Includes instructions on making a hollow string ball.
Book cover for Wind Watchers by Micha Archer

Wind Watchers by Micha Archer

Seasons come and go, and the wind wafts its way through them all. This delights a family of children, and when they ask the wind, “How will you blow today?” they get a kick out of not knowing what answer they’ll get. Will the wind send gentle breezes that tickle and delight, cooling them off on hot days? Or strong gusts that knock their hats off and send them running inside on stormy days? One thing is for certain to our wind watchers–the wind is an always-changing wonder and constantly takes their breath away!

More Story Times

Story Time: S is for Sledding and the OlympicS

You don’t need snow when you have your imagination! You can sit in a basket, box, or even the bathtub! So, jump on a “sled” and join us in a downhill adventure with these books and activities about the Winter Olympics and sledding!Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at...

FEBRUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Snow

Winter is a magical time of “firsts” for a baby or toddler… first snowflake, white world, or cold nose. Even if there isn’t snow outdoors, you can introduce them to new textures like a fleece scarf, fuzzy mitten, or even a smooth ice pack wrapped in a towel with...

Story Time: S is for Snow and Winter OlympicS

Enjoying a snowy day with your child is the perfect time to teach them about healthy competition. As you play, you can talk about: How to win and lose gracefully Encouraging all participants Congratulating the winner The value of cooperation and teamwork Feeling proud...

Kid ‘n’ Tween Activities February 2026

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us this February for Early Literacy Programs as we explore a snowy theme! Toddler Time (Ages 1-3, walking toddlers & grown-ups) - Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 AM in the Community Room. Enjoy songs, stories, and sensory building...

Story Time: Something NEW, Just for YOU! in January

New books are great! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the library lately, you should come in and check out our section of New Non-fiction Books in the Children’s section. Non-fiction fuels curiosity, answers questions, is easily relatable to life, and builds...

Story Time: D is for Dress-Up

Have you ever played dress-up with your child? Not only is it great fun for them and you, but it can also be a critical developmental tool. It helps your child to make sense of the world around her while developing essential skills she'll use throughout life like...

Story Time: D is for Dogs: Special Service Dogs Edition

For a lot of children, meeting dogs and others animals can be an exciting experience. However, if they are unprepared for that introduction, it can lead to an undesirable experience, especially with service animals. Check out some of the tips and books below for...

JANUARY Book Babies + Toddlers: Dogs & Puppies

Through books, visits to petting zoos, and interactive animal puppets and toys, your child will explore the animal kingdom by learning the sounds animals make. This includes discovering the wide range of vocalizations from dogs, understanding the differences between...

Story Time: D is for Dance

“D” is for dancing! Did you know that, in addition to being a fantastic way to build physical skills in children, dancing is also a powerful workout for the brain? Remembering choreography strengthens memory and improves a child’s ability to focus and solve problems....

January 2026 Programs for Kids ‘n’ Tweens

Story Time and Early Literacy Join us for stories, songs, and fun all month long as we explore the letter D! We'll groove with Dance, learn from Service Dogs, try on costumes for Dress Up, and finish with something brand new just for you! Story Time is on Tuesdays and...